This historical novel is a first-person narrative told from the perspective of the Roman Emperor Claudius, who was considered an unlikely ruler due to his physical ailments and perceived lack of intelligence. The story covers the reigns of Augustus, Tiberius, and Caligula before Claudius unexpectedly becomes emperor. The narrative provides a critical look at the corruption, violence, and political machinations of the Roman Empire, offering a unique perspective on history.

"Memoirs of Hadrian" is a historical novel that presents a fictional autobiography of the Roman Emperor Hadrian, who reigned from 117 to 138 AD. Narrated in the first person, the novel explores Hadrian's ascension to the throne, his administration, his love for the young Antinous, and his philosophical reflections on life and death. The narrative is framed as a letter to his successor, Marcus Aurelius, offering insights into the complexities of power, the nature of leadership, and the human condition.

This historical work provides a comprehensive perspective on the fall of the Roman Empire, examining its decline from the height of its power in the second century A.D. through the fall of Constantinople in 1453. The author meticulously chronicles the empire's deterioration due to a variety of factors, including moral decay, economic crisis, military incompetence, barbarian invasions, and internal power struggles, while also offering insightful commentary on the broader implications for Western civilization.

"Marius the Epicurean" is a philosophical novel that explores the life of Marius, a young Roman, during the reign of Marcus Aurelius. The narrative follows Marius's intellectual and spiritual development as he navigates the complexities of Roman society, with its intricate blend of paganism and emerging Christianity. The protagonist grapples with existential questions and moral dilemmas, seeking to understand the nature of pleasure, the concept of duty, and the meaning of life. His journey culminates in his conversion to Christianity, symbolizing a shift from sensual pleasure to spiritual fulfillment.

This classic play dramatizes the political and personal machinations surrounding the assassination of a powerful leader. The narrative follows the conspirators' plot, their execution of the plan, and the resulting chaos and war. The themes of ambition, loyalty, and the struggle for power are explored through complex character interactions and memorable soliloquies. The play also examines the consequences of political violence and the unpredictable nature of history.

The narrative poem unfolds a complex true crime story from 17th-century Rome, revolving around a gruesome murder case. It delves into the perspectives of different characters involved, including the murderer, the victim, the lawyers, and the Pope, each providing their own version of the events leading up to the crime. The poem's unique structure, comprising twelve books, allows the reader to explore the multifaceted nature of truth and justice, as the same story is retold with varying biases and interpretations, highlighting the subjectivity of human perception and the intricacies of legal and moral judgment.

This historical novel brings to life the Byzantine Empire through the eyes of its most celebrated general, Belisarius. Renowned for his loyalty and military genius, the protagonist navigates the treacherous waters of political intrigue, betrayal, and warfare in an attempt to serve his emperor while maintaining his own honor. Set against the backdrop of the 6th century, the narrative not only explores the complexities of Belisarius's military campaigns against the Persians, Vandals, and Goths but also delves into his personal life, highlighting his relationship with his wife Antonina and his dealings with the cunning Empress Theodora. Through its detailed portrayal of ancient warfare, political maneuvering, and the human condition, the novel offers a vivid reimagining of a pivotal period in history.

This novel follows the story of Lise, a woman who, disillusioned with her mundane office job, embarks on a journey to an unnamed Southern European city in search of adventure and ultimately, her own demise. Throughout her meticulously planned trip, she engages in erratic behavior, interacts with various eccentric characters, and deliberately places herself in dangerous situations, all while searching for the "right" man to fulfill her dark desire. The narrative, marked by its unconventional structure and a foreboding sense of inevitability, explores themes of alienation, the search for identity, and the human fascination with death, culminating in a shocking and tragic conclusion.

This novel offers a vivid and provocative portrayal of the Vatican during the Renaissance, seen through the eyes of a dwarf who serves Pope Leo X. The narrative delves into the corruption, intrigue, and scandal that pervade the Holy See, presenting a stark contrast between the spiritual ideals of the Church and the worldly, often debauched behavior of its leaders. The dwarf, possessing a sharp intellect and a unique perspective, navigates this morally complex environment, exploring themes of faith, power, and the nature of truth. His journey is not only a physical one through the lavish and sometimes grotesque landscapes of the Vatican but also a spiritual and philosophical quest for understanding and redemption.

This historical novel follows the life of a real-life Andalusian-born traveler of the 16th century, who is captured by Christian pirates and presented as a gift to the Pope. Renamed after the pontiff, he becomes a respected scholar and diplomat, navigating the complex cultural and religious divides of the Mediterranean world. Throughout his journeys, which take him from his birthplace in Granada to Fez, Timbuktu, Constantinople, and Rome, he witnesses the tumultuous events of his time, including the fall of Granada and the rise of the Ottoman Empire. His story is one of identity, belonging, and the universal quest for knowledge and understanding amidst a backdrop of conflict and change.

The novel chronicles the rise and fall of Cola di Rienzo, a charismatic 14th-century Roman who ascends from humble origins to become the city's Tribune, striving to restore Rome's ancient glory and enact political reforms through a popular uprising. Despite initial success in uniting the Roman populace and gaining power, the protagonist's idealistic ambitions are ultimately thwarted by the scheming of the nobility, the fickleness of the masses, and his own tragic flaws. The story serves as both a historical account of a significant period in Rome's post-imperial history and a cautionary tale about the complexities of leadership and the volatile nature of political fortune.

The play is a tragic depiction of the struggle for power in ancient Rome, focusing on the young emperor Nero's rise to tyranny. It portrays Nero's manipulation and betrayal as he seeks to consolidate his rule, eliminating any threats to his authority. The drama unfolds around his toxic relationship with his mother Agrippina, his ruthless disposal of his stepbrother Britannicus, who is the rightful heir to the throne, and his obsessive love for Britannicus's betrothed, Junia. The narrative is a classic example of political intrigue, moral decay, and the destructive nature of absolute power, highlighting the psychological complexity and emotional turmoil of its characters as they navigate a dangerous and duplicitous court.

"Cinna" is a classic French tragedy set in ancient Rome, focusing on themes of clemency and tyranny. The play revolves around the titular character, a nobleman involved in a conspiracy to assassinate Emperor Augustus. As the plot unfolds, the conspirators grapple with their moral dilemmas and the consequences of their actions. The emperor, upon discovering the plot, faces his own internal struggle between his desire for justice and the virtue of forgiveness. The narrative explores the complexities of power, loyalty, and the human capacity for mercy, culminating in a surprising act of leniency that challenges the traditional expectations of retribution in tragedy.

The book in question is a classic French Renaissance tragedy that delves into the complex and tumultuous life of a renowned Roman general and politician. Set against the backdrop of the Roman Empire's decline, the narrative explores themes of love, power, betrayal, and the tragic consequences of human flaws. The protagonist's story is one of a passionate and ill-fated love affair with a foreign queen, political strife, and the ultimate downfall of a once-great leader. Through poetic language and dramatic scenes, the play examines the intricate interplay between personal desires and the harsh realities of political life, leading to a catastrophic end that reflects on the nature of fate and the inescapable flaws of humanity.

"Imperial Caesar" is a historical novel set in ancient Rome, following the life of a young and ambitious Julius Caesar. The book vividly depicts Caesar's rise to power, his military conquests, and his transformation into a formidable leader. Through a captivating narrative, the author explores the political intrigue, power struggles, and personal sacrifices that shaped Caesar's journey, offering readers a compelling glimpse into the life of one of history's most influential figures.

"Claudius The God" is a historical novel that follows the life of Emperor Claudius, who unexpectedly rises to power in ancient Rome. Written as an autobiography, the book provides a unique perspective on the inner workings of the Roman Empire and the challenges faced by Claudius as he navigates political intrigue, assassination attempts, and the complexities of ruling a vast empire. With a blend of fact and fiction, the novel offers a vivid portrayal of Claudius' reign and the tumultuous era in which he lived.

This historical narrative delves into the tumultuous period of the late Roman Republic, chronicling the rise and fall of some of its most iconic figures, such as Julius Caesar, Cicero, and Augustus. The book captures the political intrigue, military campaigns, and civil unrest that led to the demise of the Republic and the birth of the Roman Empire. Through vivid storytelling, it explores the complex interplay of personalities and events that shaped the course of Western civilization, offering a detailed look at the power struggles and societal transformations of ancient Rome.

This book provides an in-depth exploration of the life and work of the revolutionary Italian painter known for his dramatic use of light and shadow, which came to define the Baroque style of painting. The biography delves into the artist's tumultuous personal life, marked by violent encounters and a temper as fiery as his groundbreaking artistic talent. Through meticulous research, the author reconstructs the painter's journey from his humble beginnings to his rise to fame and his ultimate tragic downfall, offering insights into his masterpieces and his enduring influence on the art world.

This book is a sweeping historical narrative that delves into the heart of ancient Rome, exploring its rise from an insignificant village in central Italy to a world-dominating superpower that lasted for centuries. The author, a renowned classicist, examines not just the famous emperors and battles, but also the lives of the everyday people, the political and social structures, and the complexities of Roman culture. Through a blend of historical analysis, anecdotal evidence, and a fresh perspective, the book challenges preconceived notions about Roman history and provides a nuanced understanding of how this vast empire's legacy continues to influence the modern world.

"The PowerBook" is a unique blend of reality and virtual reality, exploring the themes of love, identity, and storytelling. The narrative follows an e-writer who writes stories for people on demand, and one of her clients, a woman who wants to escape her relationship and start anew. The book is filled with stories within stories, all of them interconnected, taking readers on a journey through Paris, Capri, and the Internet, while challenging the traditional notions of time, gender roles, and the boundaries between the real and the imagined.

The play is a tragic drama set in ancient Rome that follows the life of the titular military leader, known for his valor and exceptional combat skills. However, his inability to navigate the complex web of Roman politics and his contempt for the common people lead to his downfall. After being banished from Rome due to his arrogance and the machinations of political adversaries, he seeks revenge by allying himself with a former enemy. His tragic flaw, excessive pride, and the manipulation by those around him ultimately result in a climactic and fatal confrontation that seals his fate.